Newsletter

National Infant Immunizations Week observed

St. Johns County Health Department reminds the community that National Infant Immunizations Week is being observed through Saturday.

NIIW is an annual observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Each day, nearly 12,000 babies are born in the United States who will need to be immunized against 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age 2. Immunizations are one of the most important ways parents can protect their children against serious diseases.

"Because of the success of vaccines in preventing disease in the United States, parents are often unaware that their children are at risk for so many serious and life-threatening diseases," Dr. Dawn Allicock, director of St. Johns County Health Department, said in a statement this week.

She provided five reasons to immunize a child:

* Immunizations can save a child's life. Because of advances in medical science, a child can be protected against more diseases than ever before.

* Vaccination is safe and effective. Vaccines are thoroughly tested before being approved for public use and are monitored carefully by doctors, researchers and public health officials.

* Immunization protects others. Immunizations also help prevent the spread of these diseases to friends and loved ones.

* Immunizations can save time and money. Vaccines not only prevent disease, but also reduce costs associated with missed time from work, doctor visits and hospitalizations.

* Immunization protects future generations. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that had disabling and fatal just a few generations before.

For information on child immunization services, go to www.StJohnsCHD.org or call 825-5055.